CHAPTER 3
The Project K2 S9800 l o u d s p e a ker: a
triumph in acoustics and technology
The following sections describe the
primary features and components of
the P roject K2 loudspeaker system.
The enclosure of the K2 S9800 is spe-
cially designed to transfer unwanted
mechanical energy away from any
acoustically-active surfaces, virtually
eliminating coloration.
Its massive base, along with its special-
ly designed stainless steel modular
feet, couple directly to the floor, and
the system literally becomes a structur-
al part of its environment. Any vibra-
tion is transmitted harmlessly down the
channel provided by the ring/disc axes
and into the floor. Both horns, the UHF
housing and the enclosure top are con-
structed from JBL’s exclusive
SonoGlass™, an extremely dense and
mechanically inert material, in order to
maintain a smooth energy transmission
p a t h .
See Fi g u re 1
The P roject K2 S9800 t r a n s d u c e r /
enclosure arrangement represents the
best possible balance of the various
tuning options and avoids the mid-bass
response build-up found in other vented
systems. Response works with, rather
than against, the effects of "room load-
i n g . "
The unique design of the P roject K2
system is the platform for its equally
unique acoustical attributes.
The HF (high frequency) driver is
located at the exact ear level of the lis-
t e n e r. The UHF (ultra high frequency)
driver is slightly tilted down so that its
information is also directly reaching the
l i s t e n e r’s ear. Thanks to the large HF
t r a n s d u c e r, the 15 inch woofer can be
crossed over at a frequency low enough
to eliminate any audible effects of its
exact location and proximity.
Full image coherency is maintained,
resulting in an acoustically stable pin-
pointed stereo image. All the sound
seems to come from the HF horn in the
c e n t e r. Music imaging is more realistic
since the sound appears to emanate
from one point and not from multiple
points at different times.
P roject K2 is a fixed angle system
without regard to frequency. Careful
horn design enables the loudspeaker to
strictly adhere to a 60° horizontal/30°
vertical coverage pattern. This Con-
trolled Coverage arrangement precisely
defines the optimum listening area and
minimizes room effects. At the same
time, it provides a generous "sweet
spot" for more comfortable critical lis-
tening sessions.
The 1500AL Low Frequency Drive r
See Fi g u re 3
In order to achieve the lowest possible
distortion and compression along with
the high linear excursion necessary, the
1 5 0 0 A L is equipped with an A l n i c o
magnet. As with earlier P r oject K2 l o w
frequency drivers, it utilizes forced air
cooling. The entire magnetic structure
is completely enclosed within a die-
6
Project K2 S9800
